The Neurodivergent Cruise Guide Series Navigator

Part 1: Mindset | Part 2: Planning | Part 3: Panama Canal | Part 4: Sanctuaries | Part 5: Checklist

The Slow Travel Mindset

As an autistic adult who enjoys travel, FOMO, the Fear of Missing Out, is a large part of my reality both at home and abroad. When traveling with my family, there are some days when I have enough energy and capacity to do everything I really want to experience. However, that capacity can shift rapidly, causing unanticipated disappointments when I am unable to participate in or enjoy something I was really looking forward to. Knowing myself, there will be times when I really want to stay and "experience everything," but that isn't always realistic.

When it comes to a Disney Cruise, many activities require being in crowded, loud spaces, which is difficult for me at times. I have tried different strategies to work with myself, like using fidgets and headphones, and seeking out quiet spaces for breaks to help reduce overstimulation and emotional shutdowns. Sometimes this helps, and sometimes it doesn't. Finding a Neurodivergent Travel Checklist with tools that work for you is essential for packing items for travel. I am uncomfortable in loud and crowded places, so I often put on noise-cancelling headphones playing white noise to bring the sound level down to a comfortable level. This is a trick I will admit I frequently use during dinner to tone down the cacophony in the rotational dining rooms.

This allows me to stay longer and enjoy the atmosphere without being overwhelmed. For example. I love watching fireworks, but the loud, sudden noises are unsettling to me, so dimming the noise lets me enjoy the beauty without jumping out of my skin. Maybe you can relate if you are neurodivergent or travel with someone who is and have seen this type of overstimulation get in teh way of enjoying a vacation and resulting in missed opportunities.

With the right mindset established, let's look at how to practically apply this to your travel logistics.

The Neurodivergent Cruise Guide Series Navigator

Part 1: Mindset | Part 2: Planning | Part 3: Panama Canal | Part 4: Sanctuaries | Part 5: Checklist